We were Rockin’ the Red Rock Canyon!
Having spent our first day of vacation with an urban hike, we geared up on day two for a different kind of hike: Rockin’ the Red Rock Canyon! To prepare, we enjoyed a hearty breakfast, at our resort, at the Earl Grey Café. Often, having a full breakfast for six at an on-site resort restaurant would be cost-prohibitive.
Status Match for the WIN!
On this adventure, prior to leaving Nashville, we were approved for a “status match” on our Marriott awards account, increasing our Marriott status to Platinum Elite. A “status match” is when one rewards program matches the highest status – and therefore the perks – of a traveler’s other rewards programs.
It’s literally THE BEST!
Status match opportunities are yet another benefit available to points-based travelers. At no cost to us, Marriott matched our IHG Platinum status which resulted in several valuable perks, including a HUGE discount for on-site dining. The food, service and atmosphere at the Earl Grey were incredible. We were each able to fill up before heading out for the quick drive to the Canyon.
US Bureau of Land Management
Did you know that the US Bureau of Land Management manages more than 247 million acres of publicly owned land? That is 1/8 of our country’s land mass, according to the Bureaus’ website: www.blm.gov.
In Nevada alone, 67% of the land mass belongs to the American people, and one of the most beautiful and accessible spots there is Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.
The stats….
Red Rock is located 17 miles West of Vegas and is an ideal family hiking adventure, with trails suitable for hikers of varying skill levels. It is exceptionally well laid out and well managed. From the centrally located fee access area you embark on a 13-mile scenic loop.
Don’t forget your water!
There are 27 separate trailheads, most of which can be accessed from paved parking areas located along the loop. You will also find a dozen public restrooms and a few picnic areas located throughout the park. But be sure to pack in plenty of water. We purchased new Camelbaks for this vacation, knowing that hiking in the dry, desert conditions would be very different from the cool, mountain hikes we are used to enjoying in Tennessee. Oh, and did I mention that the day that we hiked Red Rock, the temperatures peaked at 119°! We were so thankful to have our hydration backpacks.
Check out this incredible website
If you are planning a trip to Red Rock, we strongly advise you to visit redrockcanyonlv.org. Here you can download the trail map in advance of your trip and can read details of each trail’s features. It is an essential tool for planning out the hikes at Red Rock, which are best suited to your skill and fitness level, and to find hikes featuring the type of adventure you are looking for – canyon floor, desert hills, bouldering and rock scrambles, seasonal streams, wildlife encounters, vistas and overlooks – Red Rock Canyon has them all.
For a $15 vehicle pass, our day at Red Rock was easily one of the best values for the money during the entire vacation. Check out these beautiful pics of our Red Rock adventure!
Did I remember to tell you that we’re foodies?
Despite our big breakfast, six hours of hiking caused us to work up a huge appetite. Being in the Southwest, we agreed that one of our foodie goals was to enjoy some authentic Mexican food. On a recommendation, we decided to have lunch at Juan’s Flaming Fajitas & Cantina.
It’s tops on Trip Advisor
Juan’s is a 2020 Trip Advisor Travelers’ Choice location, placing it in the top 10% of customer reviews worldwide. We enjoyed our meal on the lovely covered patio, pampered by fans and misters on a hot afternoon. The food was outstanding and our servers were friendly and engaging.
Juan’s is a definite must see if you are looking for authentic Mexican food in the Las Vegas area. And in case you are wondering, yes, they do set the fajitas on fire – literally flaming – right at your table.
With our bellies full and our bodies ready for a rest, we made our way back to our resort. Satisfied with the day’s adventures, we capped it all off with an evening stroll through the beautiful gardens and grounds of the J.W. Marriott Resort and Spa.
Feel free to contact me…
If you’d like to read about traveling during Covid-19, click HERE. And if you’d like to learn more about how we get to enjoy such incredible experiences using points-based travel, feel free to reach out to me HERE!
Let’s Get to the Point!
Also, here’s a link to the step-by-step process that we followed to see places that I once thought were completely untouchable for an average family of six, like mine! As well, please follow along on my social media channels, on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
*This post contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission, or a referral bonus, for recommendations – at no cost to you. We only recommend products that we personally use, trust, and enjoy.
We did a horseback trail ride through Red Rock Canyon. We loved it there!
Cindy, I bet that was AMAZING!! We definitely mentioned going back sometime!
We visited here one time, actually on our anniversary, many years ago. We loved our visit! But yes, definitely bring the water–and lots of it!!
I couldn’t agree more Kristin! When we planned our trip, for early September, I thought that it would begin cooling down. Here it is early October, and it’s still HOT there!!!
The hike looks so fun, and the only reason I’d be happy for it to end is to get a taste of that yummy food!
Exactly right! We left super early in the morning, knowing that the temps were going to be high that day. And Uncle Julio’s was a delightful afternoon lunch!!
What a great adventure for your family!
Thank you Barbara! It really was!
This looks like a fun trip! I definitely need to invest in a camel back. I went on a hike the other day and I didn’t bring enough water, so this is a must have especially because I live in the desert. Thank you for this!
Brianna, we had no idea that it would be as hot as it was. Thankfully, we had purchased Camelbacks before the trip. We were certainly grateful. When you get one, you won’t regret it!!
What a great hike! And the food even looks so awesome in Red Rock Canyon!
Thank you Tricia! There is no food within Red Rock Canyon, but Juan’s is only about 15 minutes away! It’s totally worth the short drive!
Looks awesome! 119° Oh my!!
Debbie, IKR? Crazy hot!
That food looks amazing! And what a great area to hike!
Thank you Sydney! I could go for some Juan’s Flaming Fajita’s about right now!!
The trails you hiked look amazing!
Thank you Tiffany! It was a lovely day!
We just moved to Colorado from the East Coast last week. Vegas is definitely on our list of places to explore. Red Rock Canyon seems like it would round out the trip nicely.
Wow Sabrina, what a fantastic change! Colorado is stunningly beautiful! Congratulations on your new adventure!
What a fun family friendly activity near Vegas
It really was, Lisa. And a great respite away from the big city.
This looks like an amazing trip! What great memories!
Thank you Melissa! And we’ll have memories to last a lifetime!
I didn’t know about the status match! I like how you explained how you can make your trip better and more cost effective – a very beneficial article!
Thanks so much Ayesha! Status matches are awesome!
What an awesome hike! I love seeing the colors in the rocks. And I have young kids so it’s cool to know the trail has various skill levels!
Chelsea, I would say that most everyone can hike in Red Rock Canyon, including your young children. And the rocks were so very beautiful!
I would love to do this hike (maybe not in 119 degree heat though). And that food….oh my.
Exactly! When we were planning our trip, the temps were supposed to be in the mid 80’s. Reality was much different, but we made the most of it and had a fabulous time anyway!
Looks like a great hike! The rock formations are unique for sure. Extra water is an essential when hiking!!
We certainly were grateful to have it Suzan! Thank you for your kind words!
Great trip info. AND love the photos. The food looks amazing.
Thanks so much Yvette!
Sounds like a great trip! The food looks delish!
Thank you Alyssa!
Omg, you made me drool with all these Mexican foods. I hope we can visit there someday and I hope it will be soon. It seems that all your kids are enjoying the hike.
My kiddos love to hike! On the ten days that we were gone, we averaged 14,000 steps per day!! LOTS and lots of hiking!
The canyon looks amazing! And wow lots of trails to explore. Wonderful too that you received an upgrade with perks at the resort!
Cindy, thank you for your kind words! And upgrades are alway the BEST!!
Such beautiful photos, thank you for sharing!
Thank you Lisa!
Your family is our travel goals!!! I love it!! Definitely adding the Red Canyon to our hiking bucket list!
Erica!!!! BEST WORDS EVER! Thank you for that precious compliment!! And you will LOVE Red Rock Canyon!!
Sounds fabulous ! Will definitely add it to our road trip must do list!
Sound great Marianne!
Oh, my gosh ~ I am now officially craving fajitas. The photos of yours look spectacular. I am definitely showing this post to Hubby because he would absolutely fall head over heals for a place with a landscape like that. He loves a good hike and, with 27 from which to choose, I think he would find himself close to Heaven there.
T.M., thank you. And there were varying levels of hikes within Red Rock Canyon, so really anyone could come and enjoy the day. Just pack lots of water (and sunscreen)!
This looks like a great place to hike as long as you have your provisions with you. Water is so essential when hiking. There has been more than once where we’ve had to rescue another group because they didn’t have enough water. I love the recommendation of Juan’s. The food looks amazing.
Thank you Leeanne! My husband is an avid researcher. He made sure that we had everything we needed!
I couldn’t imagine hiking in that heat! But it looks absolutely beautiful there. And that Mexican food has me drooling!
Thanks Casandra! The food was incredible, and so was the hike!
I hope to visit Red Rock Canyon in the future. It seems like a great place to hike with the family. It looks like you all had a great time!
Taquia, we really did. Thanks for stopping by!
Oh wow , 119 degrees is crazy. No way, but it sounds like a great place to visit. I like to hike and eat so this was super helpful post.
Alison, we’re from Nashville, TN, where the humidity is CRAZY hot! 119 in Red Rock didn’t seem as terrible as some days here at home.
Looks like a great hike!
Barbara, it really was (albeit a little HOT)!
Of all the times I’ve visited Las Vegas, I have never been to Red Rock Canyon National Park. It’s so beautiful and would love to go day hiking on the trails – thanks for the inspiration.
Absolutely!! You won’t regret it!
We loved visiting and did a horseback ride through the canyon.
Cynthia, I bet riding through Red Rock on horseback was INCREDIBLE!!
Looks like a perfect day! I’ll have to keep my eyes open for status matching deals as I’m Platinum Spire with IHG!
Wow Pam! Platinum Spire – good for you! You would definitely qualify for a status match on many reward programs. Just read the fine print (especially during COVID). Some only allow for one every couple of years (so you’ll want to be able to maximize it)!
I haven’t heard of red rock canyon but it looks so fun! Also.. Juan’s sounds and looks AMAZING!
Thank you Chantelle! Jaun’s WAS amazing! If you’re ever in Vegas, Red Rock Canyon is really super close, but feels like a world away!
I’ve always heard a lot about Red Rock but never knew exactly where it was! Now I know. From your pictures, it looks like it lives up to its reputation. Glad you have figured out how to use point systems to travel a lot- I can’t seem to get much traction going with that.
Leigh, we LOVED Red Rock Canyon! As far as points go, it does take a bit of understanding how to maximize the best cards. I’d highly recommend the CHASE Sapphire Preferred, especially right now, as there is an increased bonus (the highest ever actually)! If you have questions, feel free to reach out. I’m ALWAYS happy to help!
What a fantastic day! I remember driving through Red Rock Canyon years ago, but never actually hiked there. We just didn’t have the time that day. Now I really want to go back and explore! Looks so awesome!
Vessy, if your back in that area again, it’s definitely worth a stop!
Wow, US Bureau of Land Management manages a lot of land. Thank s for the tip regarding Juan’s .
Miss, you’re so welcome! And I agree, we were impressed with the US Bureau of Land Management!
I wish we had more canyons around us to hike. We have wonderful mountain hiking trails but the change would be nice.
Carey, I agree! We are in Tennessee, so we have the gorgeous Smoky Mountains, but the change of scenery (especially all the red rocks) was beautiful!
Gorgeous photos. I never knew about the hotel matching program. I need to look into that. I have a hydration vest that I love to use for running. I don’t know why I never think to take it on a hike!
Heather, we were super grateful to have those hydration packs! And thanks for your kind words!
This looks like a great outdoor adventure! We are hoping to explore more of that side of the US in the near future!
Michele, that’s one of the many things that I love about our country. No matter what state you go to, there are gorgeous things to see!
I so wanted to go here last time I was in Vegas! And now I really want to go- great post- everything looks amazing!
Thank you Sara!